The global auto industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, from pandemic-related disruptions to supply chain bottlenecks and shifting consumer preferences.
Automakers have had to navigate these hurdles while also investing heavily in electrification to meet growing demand for sustainable options.
Despite these obstacles, some companies are beginning to show signs of recovery, particularly in the U.S. market, according to Ziare.
GM Leads the U.S. Market
General Motors reported U.S. sales of over 2.7 million vehicles in 2024, a 4.3% increase compared to 2023.
While still shy of its 2019 total of 2.9 million units, this marks GM’s strongest performance since before the pandemic.
“Our lineup of well-designed, high-performance vehicles is driving customer satisfaction and helping our dealers meet growing demand,” said Rory Harvey, GM’s president of global markets.
“We’re entering 2025 with considerable momentum.”
Ford also had a strong year, with sales climbing to 2.08 million units in 2024 from just under 2 million in 2023.
The company’s fourth-quarter sales jumped 8.8% year-over-year, totaling 530,660 vehicles.
Electrified models were a key growth driver for Ford. Sales of hybrids and fully electric vehicles surged 38.3%, making up 13.7% of the company’s total sales for the year.
Meanwhile, traditional internal combustion engine vehicles posted a modest 0.2% increase compared to 2023.
The overall U.S. vehicle market saw just under 16 million units sold in 2024, according to CNBC.
GM retained its position as the nation’s top automaker, with Toyota and Ford rounding out the top three.
Stellantis, however, struggled. The parent company of Chrysler sold only 1.3 million vehicles, its worst performance since 2010. The company now ranks sixth in the U.S., trailing both Kia and Honda.
